GEMS Education launches GEMS School Management (GSM) to deliver world-class schools globally; in advanced talks in eight different markets

 

GEMS School Management offers a comprehensive ‘school-in-a-box’ solution for K-12 education

• New service will build and operate exceptional schools for school groups, governments, investors, and developers
• GSM introduces its proprietary ASPIRE model to enable rapid, turnkey school delivery around the world
• Backed by GEMS Education’s 65+ years of global expertise and successful outcomes in running high-performing schools

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 1 July 2025: GEMS Education today launched GEMS School Management (GSM), a bold new venture designed to deliver exceptional, future-ready schools in partnership with governments, investors, developers, school groups, and communities worldwide.

The programme has already attracted considerable interest and is in advanced talks with customers in eight different markets with more inquiries coming in.

Built on more than 65 years of excellence in global K-12 education, GSM offers complete end-to-end solutions – from school design, curriculum planning and operations to staffing, training, systems integration and safeguarding.

Whether creating new schools or transforming existing ones, GSM will deliver end-to-end solutions. At the heart of GSM is its proprietary ASPIRE model – a ‘school-in-a-box’ framework developed by leading educators across GEMS’ global network.

ASPIRE empowers partners to quickly deploy fit-for-purpose schools – be they British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian or local curriculum – that meet the highest international standards while reflecting community needs.

Each model includes curriculum plans, architectural guidance, recruitment and training, technology infrastructure, and hundreds of pre-developed operational systems and processes.

GSM is designed to take the complexity out of launching or elevating a school for its customers. From safeguarding protocols and inclusive education practices to data systems, marketing strategies, and timetable frameworks, GSM provides every element required to open a high-quality school – even within a 12-month timeframe.

Partners benefit from GEMS’ ability to recruit top-tier educators, deliver staff training, and provide digital systems that support teaching, learning, and parent engagement.

Robert Tarn CBE, Managing Director of GEMS School Management, said at the global launch of GSM: “We’re working with partners who want more than just good schools – they want schools that set benchmarks. GSM brings the full force of the GEMS ecosystem to the table – from outstanding educators and global best practice to fully costed, turnkey models.

“Whether you’re a government, a developer, or a school group seeking to scale or improve outcomes, we are ready to help you deliver.”

He added: “Our partners often have the vision, the site, and the capital – what they need is deep educational expertise. That’s where GSM comes in. We’ve done the thinking, built the model, and can be ready to open a high-impact school – with the right team, systems and students – in as little as 12 months.”

Crucially, GSM is designed for flexibility. Partners can select from multiple curriculum-aligned models – from premium British or American schools to mid-market Indian or IB schools – each customisable to the social, regulatory, and financial landscape of the location.

In addition to new builds, GSM also offers bespoke enhancement contracts for existing schools and systems, helping them scale, improve, and benefit from GEMS’ economies of scale and procurement advantages.

Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said: “Every child deserves access to world-class education, no matter where they are. GSM is how we share our legacy, our expertise, and our belief in education’s power to change lives with partners who share our vision. Together, we will build schools that shape not only futures, but nations.”

From premium schools in capital cities to affordable community schools in under-served areas, GSM offers adaptable models and tailored contracts that meet specific regulatory, cultural, and educational goals.

To explore how GEMS School Management can support your next school or national education initiative, contact: info@gems-sm.com or visit: www.gems-sm.com

ENDS

 

Gerald Group Warns Against Unauthorised Soremi SA Tenders of Copper Cathode and Zinc Ingot

LONDON, June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soremi Mine, located in the Boko Yanga metal corridor in the Republic of the Congo ("RoC"), is operated by Société de Recherche et d'Exploitation Minière ("Soremi SA"), a local ROC entity producing copper cathodes and zinc ingots. 

Soremi SA is owned and controlled by Soremi Investments Ltd. ("SIL"), a BVI-registered company. Gerald Group has been awarded 100% of SIL and SIL is currently controlled by a court-appointed Receiver following multiple legal rulings in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) including:

• Two binding BVI Court Orders dated 25 April 2023 and 20 December 2023, and two binding HK Court Orders dated 24 February 2025 and 21 March 2025, recognising Gerald Group's entitlement to ownership and control of SIL's 65% stake previously held by China National Gold Group Hong Kong Ltd ("CNG"); and
  
  
• A Hong Kong Interim Measures Order dated 9 April 2025 ("HK Order") prohibiting CNG and its appointees from procuring Soremi SA to enter into any sales of zinc ingots or otherwise dispose of any of Soremi SA's assets.

CNG no longer has any ownership or interest in SIL, Soremi SA or the Soremi Mine. The valid board changes made by Gerald Group and the Receivers in the RoC continue to be ignored by CNG. CNG continues to operate Soremi SA as if it owns and controls SIL in complete disregard to the binding Court orders. The current Soremi SA board and management are CNG appointed representatives, and they have ignored the board changes, binding court orders, and all attempts for Gerald Goup to control of SIL, which has allowed CNG to illegally remain in control and dissipate assets.

Importantly, CNG is a 100% owned subsidiary of China National Gold Group Corporation ("CNGG") which is a Chinese state-owned enterprise. CNGG is a centrally administered state-owned enterprise (SOE) under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council ("SASAC") and the only central state-owned enterprise in China's gold industry. CNGG is directing and/or allowing its representatives in CNG and Soremi SA, to willingly and intentionally breach, delay and obstruct international court orders including of the Hong-Kong and BVI Courts and has expended tens of millions of dollars in legal costs over a span of 4 years. These actions have devastated the financial position of Soremi SA and are unprecedented for an SOE to do everything possible to NOT comply with competent awards, rulings, and orders from 3 jurisdictions.

Gerald Group is aware that two unauthorised tenders ("Tenders") issued by Soremi SA on 6 June 2025, inviting buyers to purchase approximately 10,000 metric tons of copper cathode and approximately 40,000 metric tons of zinc ingots. These tenders are unauthorised and illegal. Gerald Group holds an exclusive first right of refusal of offtake in respect of 100% of Soremi SA's production of which Gerald Group has confirmed it elects to take 100%.   

Gerald Group warns any and all potential buyers that any sale concluded pursuant to the Tenders will be illegal, unauthorized and will breach several Court Orders and awards. Any purchases pursuant to the Tenders will be pursued to the fullest extent of national and international laws and exposes buyers to damages and other penalties.   

Gerald Group reserves all rights to pursue all remedies available to them against Soremi SA and anyone colluding with CNG/Soremi including those participating in the Tenders.

Gerald Group is in process of enforcing all court rulings to restore proper and lawful governance at Soremi SA and to protect the assets and undertakings of Soremi SA. 

تايوان إكسيلنس تطلق حملة "جو هيلثي مع تايوان" الرائدة في دول الخليج

 

دبي، 26 يونيو 2025: في خطوة رائدة لتعزيز حضور تايوان على الساحة الصحية العالمية، أطلقت الإدارة الدولية للتجارة (TITA) التابعة لوزارة الشؤون الاقتصادية التايوانية (MOEA) دعوة عالمية لتقديم المقترحات، بقيادة مجلس تنمية التجارة الخارجية لتايوان (TAITRA)، تحت شعار "جو هيلثي مع تايوان". تهدف الحملة إلى إبراز تايوان كمركز للابتكار الصحي وتعزيز التعاون الدولي مع تنفيذ فعّال على المستوى المحلي.

تدعو هذه المبادرة الحكومات والمؤسسات والشركات والمنظمات في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي إلى تقديم مقترحات مبتكرة تدمج منتجات تايوان الصحية عالية الجودة وحلولها الشاملة، بهدف الارتقاء بمعايير الصحة العالمية وتعزيز رفاهية المدن والمجتمعات وأنظمة الأعمال على مستوى العالم.

تركز حملة "جو هيلثي مع تايوان" على خمسة قطاعات رئيسية في صناعة الصحة التايوانية، تشمل: التقنيات الذكية للرعاية الصحية، الجمال الطبي والفحوصات الصحية، معدات اللياقة البدنية، تقنيات الرياضة، وصناعة الدراجات الهوائية. وتشتهر تايوان بلقب "مملكة الدراجات"، حيث تمتلك صناعة دراجات متكاملة مدعومة بأبحاث وتطوير رائدة، كما تُعد مركزًا عالميًا لتصنيع الدراجات الراقية وتسهم في جهود تحقيق الحياد الكربوني من خلال سلاسل إمداد مستدامة على المستوى الدولي.

وبناءً على النجاح الكبير لحملة "اذهب أخضر مع تايوان" العام الماضي، التي شهدت تقديم 396 مقترحًا من 45 دولة، تسعى الحملة الجديدة إلى توسيع التأثير العالمي وتطبيقات صناعة الصحة التايوانية العملية، مستهدفة تجاوز 500 مقترح من خمس قارات. وستُمنح الجوائز الثلاثة الأولى مبلغ 30,000 دولار لكل فائز، إلى جانب إتاحة الفرصة لجميع المشاركات المتميزة للتعاون والتسويق مع أبرز الشركات التايوانية.

وتعتبر الشركات التايوانية من أبرز موردي معدات اللياقة البدنية عالميًا، حيث تدمج تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي ضمن منظومة تصنيع وبحث وتطوير متقدمة. وفي مجال الرعاية الصحية الذكية، تستفيد تايوان من خبرتها العالمية في تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات وأشباه الموصلات، إلى جانب نظامها الطبي المتطور، لتقديم حلول متكاملة للسوق العالمي لتقنيات الصحة.

وافتتح باب استقبال المقترحات في 15 مايو ويستمر حتى 14 أغسطس، ما يتيح فرصة متميزة للمبتكرين لعرض أفكارهم المبدعة.

خلال حفل الإطلاق الرسمي في يونيو، أكدت سوزان هو، نائبة المدير العام للإدارة الدولية للتجارة، التزام الرئيس تاي تشينغ-تي برؤية "تايوان صحية"، معتبرة أن هذه الحملة تشكل خطوة محورية لتحويل هذه الرؤية إلى واقع من خلال إشراك المبتكرين العالميين للتعاون في بناء مستقبل صحي ومستدام.

من جانبه، شدد جو تشو، نائب الرئيس التنفيذي لمجلس تنمية التجارة الخارجية لتايوان، على أن هذه الدعوة الدولية لا تبرز فقط قوة وابتكار صناعة الصحة الشاملة في تايوان، بل تشجع أيضًا على التعاون مع الشركاء العالميين لتطوير أنماط حياة صحية ذكية ومستدامة باستخدام أحدث التقنيات والحلول التايوانية.

وشهد الحفل الكشف عن شعار الحملة الترويجي الحيوي "فضل الابتكارات التايوانية... نجاح يتخطى الحدود!"، حيث تحوّل مكان الحدث إلى ملعب بيسبول رمزي يعكس الحيوية والنشاط الدولي لتايوان. كما شهد الحفل ظهورًا مفاجئًا للنجم التايواني في البيسبول آن-كو لين، بطل بطولة WBSC Premier12، إلى جانب "فيو بير"، التميمة الرسمية لـ "تايوان إكسيلنس"، حيث مثلت ضرباتهما الرمزية إصرار تايوان على تقديم أفضل حلولها الصحية للعالم وربطها بالمبتكرين الدوليين.

حضر المؤتمر الصحفي عدد من الضيوف المرموقين، منهم روبرت وو، رئيس جمعية الدراجات التايوانية؛ وجيف تشن، رئيس جمعية مصنعي الأدوات الرياضية في تايوان؛ وسبارك هوانغ، مدير جمعية صناعة الطب والتكنولوجيا الحيوية، بالإضافة إلى ممثلين عن قطاعات صناعية رئيسية أخرى. كما شارك الإعلاميون من 12 وسيلة إعلام دولية تمثل أوروبا وأمريكا وجنوب شرق آسيا والشرق الأوسط، إلى جانب أعضاء السلك الدبلوماسي الأجنبي في تايوان.

جانس هاندرسن تشير إلى تحول استراتيجي بالنسبة للمستثمرين في النصف الثاني من عام 2025

 

الأوضاع الجيو-سياسية، والسياسات، والتغيرات الديمغرافية ستحدد وتيرة العمل في الأسواق العالمية

 

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة 26 يونيو 2025: أشار تقرير التحديثات نصف السنوية الصادر عن شركة جانس هاندرسن إنفسترز العالمية لإدارة الأصول، إلى أن التقلبات الحالية في الأسواق والتي من المتوقع أن تستمر حتى النصف الثاني من العام الجاري، تفرض تحديات كبيرة ولكنها تتيح في الوقت نفسه فرصاً للمستثمرين العالميين. وتطرق التقرير إلى أن إعادة تشكل التحالفات الجيو-سياسية، والارتفاع الهيكلي في تكلفة رأس المال، والتغيرات الديمغرافية طويلة الأمد، ستؤثر جميعها في رسم ملامح الاستراتيجيات الاستثمارية خلال الأشهر الستة المقبلة. ودعت الشركة إلى اتباع نهج منضبط يركز على الانتقائية والتنويع والمنظور العالمي بدلاً من الحرص على مواكبة الزخم.

 

نظرة الاقتصاد الكلي

 

يركز التقرير على محركات فئات الأصول المختلفة ضمن سياق اقتصادي شامل. وأشار علي ديباج، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة جانس هاندرسن إلى أنه يتوجب على المستثمرين الذين يسعون للتكيف مع هذه التحولات المستمرة وبناء محافظ قوية على الأمد الطويل، التركيز على ثلاثة محاور هيكلية أساسية هي: إعادة الاصطفاف الجيو-سياسي، عودة تكلفة رأس المال، والتغيرات في الديمغرافية وأسلوب حياة السكان.

 

وفي ما يتعلق بإعادة الاصطفاف الجيو-سياسي، أوضح ديباج أن الرسوم الجمركية أربكت الأسواق وأظهرت بوضوح ضرورة أخذ المخاطر الجيو-سياسية في الاعتبار عند اتخاذ قرارات الاستثمار، كما سلطت الضوء على أهمية رصد المستجدات عن كثب، واختبار السيناريوهات غير المحتملة التي كانت تُستبعد في السابق.

 

أما بخصوص عودة تكلفة رأس المال، أشار التقرير إلى أن الإيرادات المرتفعة حالياً لأدوات الدخل الثابت توفر نقاط دخول جذابة، وأنه تم من خلال الحديث مع العملاء والاطلاع على بيانات تدفقات السوق، التوصل إلى أن هناك قدراً ملموساً من التدفقات تتجه نحو هذا الصوب.

 

أما التغيرات الديموغرافية والتحولات في أسلوب حياة السكان بصفتها محركاً للأسواق، فقد تطورت لمواكبة آلية توظيف الأفراد والدول للابتكار والتكنولوجيا بهدف تحسين جودة الحياة والإنتاجية. ومن المتوقع أن توفر الموجة التالية للذكاء الاصطناعي والتطورات في قطاع الرعاية الصحية فرصاً استثمارية واعدة خلال الأعوام المقبلة.

 

توجهات المحافظ

 

الأسهم

 

بالنظر إلى مشهد الأسهم، أوضح كل من مارك بينتو، رئيس قسم الأسهم في منطقة أوروبا والشرق الأوسط وأفريقيا وآسيا المحيط الهادئ؛ ولوكاس كلاين، رئيس قسم الأسهم في الأمريكيتين، أنه من المتوقع أن نشهد استمرار المزيد من التقلبات قصيرة الأمد، إلا أن النظرة بعيدة الأمد لا تزال إيجابية. وأشارا إلى أن توظيف مزيج من السياسات الداعمة للنمو، والتسهيلات النقدية، وتسريع وتيرة الابتكار، هي من العوامل التي ستدفع جميعها عجلة نمو أرباح الأسهم العالمية.

 

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يمكن للأسهم الدولية أن تستفيد من الإصلاحات التي تدعم النمو في كل من أوروبا واليابان، ولحوافز المخصصة لتحفيز الاستهلاك في الصين، كما أنه من المتوقع أن تجني الأسهم للشركات الصغيرة على الصعيد العالمي ثمار خفض أسعار الفائدة وتوسع نطاق الدورة الاقتصادية.

 

ومن المتوقع أن تبدأ الفوائد الاقتصادية لموجة الابتكار بما في ذلك الذكاء الاصطناعي والتطورات في الرعاية الصحية، بالانتشار عبر القطاعات والمناطق، ما سيتيح للمستثمرين فرصاً مجزية لاستهداف الشركات القادرة على استغلال التقنيات الحديثة بفعالية وذلك بهدف زيادة الإنتاجية وتحقيق نمو في الأرباح.

 

الدخل الثابت

 

من جهته، بيّن أليكس فيرود، الرئيس العالمي لقسم الدخل الثابت لدى جانس هاندرسن، أنه يمكن للمستثمرين في الدخل الثابت الاستعداد لمستقبل أقل وضوحاً من خلال فهم موجة التوجهات وتنويع فئات الأصول.

 

وشملت أبرز استنتاجات فيرود أن السياسات غير المتوقعة للبيت الأبيض أسهمت في توسيع نطاق النتائج التي يمكن أن تتحقق في الاقتصادات العالمية، لكن التحركات الأخيرة التي شهدتها أسواق الفائدة عكست توجهات عالمية طويلة الأمد.

 

ويتسم هامش الفرق في عائد السندات المؤسسية بضيقه حالياً، ولكنه مهيأ للتوسع بحسب ما تراه الشركات، كما أن العائدات لا تزال مرتفعة مقارنة بأدائها السابق، الأمر الذي قد يجذب المستثمرين الباحثين عن الدخل. وأضاف فيرود أنه يمكن للمستثمرين الاستعداد لرحلة غير مؤكدة النتائج وذلك من خلال إعداد أدوات استراتيجية متنوعة وشاملة، كما قد توفر الأصول المورّقة (Securitised Assets) وسائل إضافية أو بديلة لتحقيق الإيرادات وتنويع المخاطر.

 

واختتمت جانس هاندرسن في التقرير بأنه مع مضي الأسواق نحو مسارات أكثر تعقيداً وتفاوتاً، فإن فرق الاستثمار العالمي لديها تواصل مراقبة التطورات عن كثب، وتطبيق أفكار نشطة قادرة على مساعدة العملاء على التكيّف مع التغيير والاستعداد للمستقبل.

 

New Index Ranks Vulnerabilities of 188 Nations to Climate Shocks

Columbia Climate School identifies 65 'Red Zone' nations across four separate climate scenarios.

43 nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, eight in Latin America and the Caribbean, six in Asia-Pacific, six in the Middle East, and two in Europe are most at-risk.

With support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the "Climate Finance Vulnerability Index" aims to help close the gap between risk assessments and funding allocations.

NEW YORK, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Columbia Climate School, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, has unveiled a novel index that integrates countries' vulnerabilities to cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, conflicts, and other hazards with their ability—due to availability and access to financing—to take prevention, recovery, and rebuilding actions. Illustrating current and future risk exposure scenarios of 188 nations, the Climate Finance (CliF) Vulnerability Index's interactive dashboard identifies the 65 most at-risk, 'Red Zone' nations – two-thirds of which are in Africa. The overarching goal of the CliF Vulnerability Index is to promote more comprehensive risk assessment standards, target resources for various bands of vulnerability, and ultimately, inform how to more effectively reach communities facing various types of disaster and financial risks.

"Climate shocks are becoming more frequent and intense, yet many of the nations facing the highest threats are also heavily indebted, limiting their access to financial markets," said Jeff Schlegelmilch, Associate Professor of Professional Practice of Climate, and Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School. "Traditional aid models based on GDP per capita or income level don't capture the unique and growing risks of climate exposure along with limited access to capital to manage these risks – the CliF Vulnerability Index provides a more realistic picture of risk, including the access to financing to address climate vulnerabilities."

Heatwaves, floods, and other extreme events caused by a warming world could result in over 14.5 million deaths and US$12.5 trillion in global economic losses by 2050, according to the World Economic Forum. The United Nations Environment Programme also estimates that the annual adaptation financing gap could be as much as US$387 billion a year, and without significant investment, the World Bank calculates that climate change could push up to 132 million people into poverty by 2030. At the same time, high borrowing costs and limited access to finance keep many nations trapped in a cycle of climate disaster response and recovery, without truly making headway toward climate mitigation and adaptation.

"As governments around the world prepare for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development next week, the gap between development goals and the needed financing has never been larger," said Eric Pelofsky, Vice President for Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation. "The CliF Vulnerability Index launches an important conversation about the data that should drive scarce resources to vulnerable countries that are facing immense challenges in accessing financing. By using the CliF Vulnerability Index, donors and funders can prioritize support for countries that are potentially living one disaster away from crisis."

Key Findings:

• Users of the CliF Vulnerability Index can filter results through four scenarios: using a 2050 or 2080 timeline, as well as 'optimistic' and 'pessimistic' climate scenarios. These scenarios account for varying degrees of emissions, population growth, and international collaboration on climate mitigation and adaptation. Of the 65 nations that appear in the Red Zone, 47 remain in that category across all four scenarios.
   
• More than 2 billion people live in Red Zone nations, where the risk of a major hazard and/or disaster is high and access to finance is dwindling. Almost all the 65 nations in the Red Zone are low- and middle-income nations as defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and many are home to some of the fastest-growing populations in the world.
   
• Of the 65 nations to appear in the Red Zone, 43 (66%) are in Sub-Saharan Africa and account for nearly 1.2 billion people. Africa has a continent-wide population that is expected to more than double to 2.7-3.7 billion by 2070, and 21 nations are in debt distress or at high risk of entering debt distress. The African nations that appear in the bottom 10 across the four climate scenarios are: Angola, Burundi, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Lesotho, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia.
   
• There are six nations in the Asia-Pacific region that appear in the Red Zone, and they are home to more than 520 million people. In 2024, the WMO termed Asia the "world's most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards." The six nations are: Bangladesh, Kiribati, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
   
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are home to eight Red Zone nations and more than 100 million people. The LAC region is vulnerable to climate change and requires investment of between $470 million and $1.3 trillion to deliver on the Paris Agreement goals, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Of the eight LAC nations that appear in the Red Zone, seven do so across all four climate scenarios. The eight nations are: Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela.
   
• Just two European nations appear in the Red Zone. The two nations, which are home to 39 million people, are Ukraine and Cyprus. Cyprus appears in the 2050 optimistic, 2050 pessimistic, and 2080 pessimistic scenarios. Ukraine appears in 2050 optimistic and 2080 optimistic scenarios.
   
• Across all four climate scenarios, eight of the 10 nations best positioned to respond are OECD members. They are Denmark, Estonia, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden and United States. Non-OECD members to appear in the top 10 are China, Thailand and United Arab Emirates (UAE). China appears across all four climate scenarios, Thailand appears in the 2050 optimistic and 2080 optimistic scenarios, and UAE in the 2050 pessimistic and 2080 pessimistic.

Developed by an interdisciplinary team from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, based at the Columbia Climate School, and the Center for Global Energy Policy, at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and also an affiliate center of the Columbia Climate School, the CliF Vulnerability Index integrates data on debt sustainability, financial integration and sophistication, and governance considerations that influence lending conditions.

Countries Urged to Establish National Refrigeration Committees to Tackle Food, Health, Animals and Climate Challenges

PARIS, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of World Refrigeration Day, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is calling on all countries to recognise refrigeration as a critical infrastructure for health, food security, energy efficiency, and climate sustainability. The IIR also urges governments to establish National Refrigeration Committees, cross-sectoral platforms designed to coordinate sustainable refrigeration efforts across all applications, from cryogenic technologies and ultra-low temperature uses, to food and health cold chains, air conditioning, and heat pumps. These committees should bring together all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the full range of actors, public and private, technical and policy, are involved in shaping effective and inclusive national refrigeration strategies. These efforts are identified by the IIR as essential to strengthening food systems, public health, industrial development, and climate action.

Finally, the IIR, as the scientific, independent, and unbiased Intergovernmental Organisation for the Development of Refrigeration calls on more countries to join its mission and actively support global efforts to elevate refrigeration to the top of national and international agendas, recognising the refrigeration sector as a vital enabler of sustainable development and climate resilience.

This global call echoes the outcomes from the 2025 World Refrigeration Day High-Level Event, hosted by the IIR on 18 June in Paris. Over 170 government, industry, scientific, and international organisation representatives from more than 60 countries came together to align around one message: refrigeration is no longer a side issue, it is core infrastructure.

"This is the decade where sustainable refrigeration will shape our societies. Let's be visionary, let's be disruptive, and let's be inclusive," said Yosr Allouche, Director General of IIR.

A Global Turning Point

Representing governments' view, from Indonesia to Nigeria to the European Union, national leaders highlighted how refrigeration supports clean energy, food security, and economic inclusion. The proposed National Committees would bring together ministries, private sector, and academia to ensure coherent policies, aligned investments, and a skilled workforce.

"We are witnessing the rebirth of the IIR, more relevant than ever, more united than ever," said Prof. Min-Soo Kim, President of the IIR General Conference.

The Paris event also featured key intervention from Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol which emphasised on the importance of considering sustainable cooling actions through sectoral approaches and maximise the benefits from early action in emerging sectors in developing countries and inline with the Kigali Amendment commitment, other key interventions also include those given by UNESCO, UNIDO, UNEP, WOAH, CCAC, World Bank IFC, GIZ Proklima, FAO and BSRIA.

The IIR's announcement of the launch of the Global Refrigeration Outlook, IIR's new flagship report series to guide policy, science, and finance, was well received and appreciated by participants.

Industry leaders, including Carrier Transicold, Chereau, Daikin Europe, Danfoss Climate Solutions, CIMCO Refrigeration and Sofrigam, Mayekawa and Climalife, showcased scalable innovations applying natural refrigerants, thermal integration, innovative cold chains and heat pumps solutions. But they stressed the need for enabling policies and predictable investment.

From climate change to energy access, refrigeration is now recognised as a global systems issue, and one that can deliver rapid, equitable gains if approached collaboratively.

THE MICHELIN GUIDE EXPANDS ITS CULINARY HORIZONS TO SAUDI ARABIA

• The MICHELIN Guide announced its arrival in a new destination: Saudi Arabia, for an upcoming 2026 edition.

• The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be unveiled towards the end of the year 2025.

• The renowned anonymous MICHELIN Inspectors are already in the field, meticulously exploring the Kingdom's vibrant culinary scene.

The MICHELIN Guide announced today its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these areas to identify the most outstanding dining establishments. This selection will highlight the best of Saudi Arabia's dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions. 

"These past few years, our MICHELIN inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on The Kingdom’s culinary progression and continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer,” explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.

Saudi Arabia stands as a unique destination, offering an exquisite blend of ancient history, rich culture, and modern luxury. The Kingdom's diverse landscapes, from the vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for unforgettable experiences. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Diriyah, and its deep historical and cultural heritage sets it apart. This distinctive blend makes Saudi Arabia an unmatched destination for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and avid travelers.

The warmth and generosity of the Saudi people further enhance the travel experience, making every visitor feel welcome and valued. From the heartwarming traditional Saudi restaurants keen to preserve and showcase recipes that have been handed down through the generations, to the always-packed restaurants, and jaw-dropping malls such as VIA Riyadh that feature renowned global brands.

Saudi Arabia's diverse and dynamic food culture, from the aromatic spices of traditional dishes to the contemporary creations of modern chefs, is now set to receive the global recognition it deserves. The MICHELIN Guide's presence will not only highlight the culinary talents within the Kingdom but also attract food enthusiasts and connoisseurs from around the globe, eager to explore the unique and exquisite flavors that Saudi Arabia has to offer. Unforgettable experiences aplenty; be it kabsa in a Najd setting or Mubahar rice with the locals, fabulous mini cheese and honey glazed sambosas galore or a mouthwatering masabeeb, the generosity, pride, and hospitality remain firmly in the memory. Additionally, our inspectors observed an impressive culinary diversity, where American cuisine mingles with Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai. Whether it's exceptional Saudi dishes or global favorites, Saudi Arabia offers something for every international traveler eager to explore the captivating sights while savoring the diverse culinary offerings.

Mayada Badr, the CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, said: “Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. It shines a light on the creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants, and invites the world to discover the distinct flavors and experiences the Kingdom has to offer.”

 

For decades, the MICHELIN Guide has been the gold standard in recognizing and celebrating exceptional dining experiences. Its arrival in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the country's burgeoning culinary landscape, where tradition meets innovation, and local flavors are elevated to new heights. As the MICHELIN Guide begins its journey in the Kingdom, it invites both locals and visitors to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. 

The MICHELIN Guide Methodology

The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes, and to promote travel culture. 

The selection will be made according to the MICHELIN Guide’s historic methodology, focusing only on the quality of the cuisine proposed by the restaurants, which the anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors evaluate by following five universal criteria:

• The quality of the ingredients

• The mastery of cooking techniques

• The harmony of flavors

• The personality of the cuisine

• The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole

The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection

The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only outstanding dining establishments are recognized.

For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection will be revealed in three stages. On the 15th of each month from October to December 2025, the inaugural selection for Saudi Arabia will be unveiled on our dedicated digital platform: guide.michelin.com/en/food-and-travel-saudi-arabia 

To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide history, methodology or selection organization, please visit guide.michelin.com or follow updates on facebook.com/MichelinGuideME and instagram.com/michelinguide.

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